Rocky Zion Missionary Baptist Church

Another Milestone

In 2024, the church will observe its 150th anniversary, and with COVID causing the interruptions it did in community and church, memories have focused more on the past than on recent memories. However, throughout church history, the pendulum has swung toward “good years and lean years” of attendance, and church members hope for increased attendance in days to come.

Rev. William O. Robinson, pastor, shepherds his flock in the present and looks to the future. “I am now in my 10th year serving as pastor of Rocky Zion MBC,” he noted, “and I can honestly say it has been challenging – mainly because it’s my first pastorate. Yet through all of the tests and trials, I can truly say that I have enjoyed and continue to enjoy preaching, teaching, singing and serving in any other capacity the Lord has required and equipped me to do.”

For uncertain times in which we live, this positive attitude is a must for any pastor. Rev. Robinson observes, “I have seen spiritual growth but also recognize there’s much growth needed. I have learned as much because from my members, as I hope they have learned because of me. Being afforded the opportunity to grow together according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit is what I believe makes us more than a group of people that go to a church building. For we are truly “a family for Christ” that is dedicated to displaying the pure love, faith and obedience He has called us to do as the body of Christ.”

Rev. Robinson ascribes to the challenge of Matthew 28:19-20 to, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.”

“Our mission is to be a Christ-centered family environment that effectively brings others into the household of faith through corporate worship and also evangelism and outreach.”

Empowerment For Future

As pastor of the church, he sees his duty in preaching and teaching as building solid believers who are equipped for ministry in both church and community. From his heart, he comments, “We believe in the spiritual development and growth of the body of Christ through love, humility, unity and prayer which comes through salvation through Christ and an ever-growing relationship with Christ. I call it ‘Empowering People for Kingdom Building.’”

The COVID-19 pandemic brought great changes to churches because of “sheltering in place” and not meeting together for worship along with absence of choirs and congregational singing. Rev. Robinson reflected, “Even though we have been challenged to serve and minister within our community and church in a variety of ways due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are yet excited about the movement of God at Rocky Zion MBC.” And he asks that community and church pray “… that the Lord will look upon any and all threats designed to hinder Rocky Zion’s laboring for the kingdom of God. That He will continue to grant us all boldness to speak His Word, stretching out His hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done though the name of Jesus Christ.”

Rocky Zion Missionary Baptist Church has served God and community for 149 years and sits on the hill above school and community as a lighthouse of hope. Peggy F. Threatt observed that “Rocky Zion Baptist Church is definitely a foundation of faith,” and that faith gives the church’s members comfort and peace.

And as the old Isaac Watts’ hymn proclaims, may Rocky Zion MBC continue progressing and singing for another hundred years.

“We’re marching to Zion, Beautiful, beautiful Zion, We’re marching upward to Zion, the beautiful City of God.”

Mrs. Rosey Posey, Rocky Zion’s most senior member at age 97, would give a witness to that with a resounding, “Amen!” l